Who is a podiatrist?
Podiatrists are qualified medical professionals with a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. They are proficient in preventing, diagnosing, and managing conditions that impact the lower extremities and feet. They can help manage pain and aid in recovery. Podiatrists also treat problems in the feet that arise from a host of chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular problems. Apart from injuries to the foot, podiatrists routinely treat common foot-related concerns such as bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
Podiatrists treat various foot conditions and specialize in areas like surgery, wound care, sports medicine, diabetes, pediatric care, and general foot care. Experts recommend visiting a podiatrist to address foot pain or receive a foot examination, as they can safely eliminate hard skin and offer suitable footwear suggestions.
Podiatrists can order diagnostic tests such as X-ray imaging, MRI scans, blood tests, and so on to determine the treatment plan. They may prescribe medication, recommend orthotics, and even perform surgeries.
Podiatrists work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, the armed forces, and municipal health departments.
Podiatrists, or DPMs, are physicians but do not attend a traditional medical school. Instead, they complete a four-year program at a podiatry school. There are nine accredited colleges of podiatry in the country. At a podiatry school, aspiring podiatrists learn how our feet muscles, nerves, and bones help us move. Upon graduation from a podiatric medical school, they must complete a three-year hospital-based residency program in podiatric medicine and surgery. Once they complete their residency program, many choose to get certified by taking additional examinations.
Common conditions treated by podiatrists
Podiatrists care for individuals of all ages, addressing a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Some of the most common conditions they treat include:
- Fractures and sprains – Podiatrists frequently treat foot and ankle injuries, including fractures and sprains. They also specialize in sports medicine, helping athletes recover from foot-related issues and offering guidance on injury prevention.
- Bunions and hammertoes – These conditions affect the bones in the feet. A bunion emerges when the joint at the base of the big toe swells or shifts out of place, causing the toe to change toward the others. A hammertoe is a deformity where a toe bends abnormally, leading to discomfort and difficulty walking.
- Nail disorders – Podiatrists treat conditions such as fungal infections and ingrown toenails. An ingrown toenail happens when the nail's edge penetrates the surrounding skin, leading to pain and potential infection.
- Diabetes-related foot issues – Diabetes may cause nerve damage and reduced circulation in the feet, raising the risk of serious complications. Each year, over 65,000 people require foot amputations due to diabetes-related issues. Regular podiatric care can help prevent infections, ulcers, and severe damage.
- Arthritis – With 33 joints in each foot, arthritis can cause significant pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Podiatrists may recommend physical therapy, medication, special footwear, or orthotics. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
- Growing pains in children – Some children have foot alignment issues, such as inward-turning feet, flat feet, or misaligned toes. Podiatrists may suggest exercises, insoles, braces, or, in rare cases, surgery to correct these concerns.
- Heel pain – Common causes include heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis. These conditions often result from excessive strain, improper footwear, or overuse. Treatments range from pain relief medications and orthotic inserts to surgery in more severe cases.
- Morton's neuroma – This nerve condition, affecting the area between the third and fourth toes, leads to pain, burning sensations, and discomfort while walking. Runners are particularly prone to this issue. Podiatrists may recommend orthotics, injections, or surgery for relief.
An orthopedist is a medical physician who maintains bones, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons throughout the body, including the ankle and foot. In contrast, a podiatrist is a medical doctor focusing strictly on ankle and foot care.
Both orthopedists and podiatrists manage ankle and foot areas concerning the bones, joints, and soft tissues. They conduct many of the same ankle and foot procedures. They are highly experienced and qualified to treat them surgically and non-surgically. The only marked difference between an orthopedist and a podiatrist is that the latter also concern themselves with the biomechanics and dermatology of the ankle and foot.
For example, a podiatrist is typically an indispensable healthcare provider for diabetic people with severe concerns about their foot health. However, an orthopedic should be your go-to for rescue when you have broken bones, fractures, or pain in those areas.
What are the risk factors for foot problems?
Some health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, arthritis, high cholesterol, poor blood circulation, heart disease, and stroke, can cause foot problems in specific individuals.
People with diabetes are more susceptible to foot issues. Monitoring any changes in foot sensation and recording all foot-related symptoms is crucial. Addressing the root cause can alleviate foot discomfort.
It's essential to inform your podiatrist of any symptoms related to diabetic foot complications, such as dry or cracked skin, calluses, cracked or dry toenails, discolored toenails, lousy foot odor, sharp or burning pain, tenderness, numbness or tingling, sores or ulcers, and pain in your calves when walking.
When do you need to see a podiatrist near you?
Your feet enable you to engage in a wide variety of activities every single day. Any foot discomfort or pain can significantly reduce your quality of life. Several symptoms may signal that it is time for you to book an appointment with your podiatrist. Here are situations when you should probably consider seeing a podiatrist:
- If you have a fracture or a sprain, Any grave injury to your foot needs medical attention. If you suspect you have sprained your foot, you must not neglect it.
- If it is chronic, you should never disregard a nagging pain in any area of your legs, including your ankles or heels. Heel spurs can cause pain in the heels that refuse to go away. Pain could also signal underlying nerve problems like Morton's neuroma.
- If you have nail disorders, such as an ingrown or discolored nail, it signals that it is time to check your foot. At times, if left untreated, ingrown toenails can become infected.
- If you have been diagnosed with chronic conditions like diabetes, You are at risk of developing problems in your foot if you have diabetes. Consider visiting a podiatrist to discuss any issues you may be facing or to seek advice on preventive care.
- If you have developed bunions or calluses, some common conditions can aggravate unless attended to by a medical professional. Look out for any painful growths in your feet, and get them examined if needed.
- It can be embarrassing to have smelly feet if they have a foul smell. However, it would be best to visit a doctor to rule out bacterial or fungal infections.
- If you are embarking on a new exercise or sports routine, a new, intense routine can stress your legs and cause an injury. In such a scenario, a podiatrist can offer advice on taking care of your feet, avoiding overexertion, and preventing injury.
What can you expect during your first podiatrist appointment?
If you are going to visit a podiatrist near you for the first time, you probably have many questions in mind. What should I carry to the appointment? What will the podiatrist ask me? Will there be a physical exam? The following guide on first podiatry visits will answer all your doubts and help you prepare well for it so that you can have a productive consultation:
Step 1: Initial formalities
Before you meet your podiatrist, you must submit the necessary documents, including your insurance card, photo ID, and doctor's referral, if you have one. The staff may also ask you to complete some paperwork.
Step 2: Discussion with the podiatrist
After completing the initial formalities, the staff will direct you to the podiatrist's office. The provider will begin the appointment by briefly discussing your symptoms, past treatments, medical history, family history, allergies, medications, lifestyle habits, and everyday diet. They may also ask about your recent surgeries and injuries. If you have any diagnostic reports related to your condition, they may also want to review them.
Step 3: Physical examination
The podiatrist will visually examine the affected areas. If you have any past photos of your symptoms, you can show them at this point. The provider may also ask you to stand, walk, or do other related activities to assess your gait, range of motion, balance, and other parameters. Make sure to wear your everyday footwear during your appointment so the podiatrist can also look at them and check if they contribute to any issues.
Step 4: Treatment plan
Once the diagnosis is complete, the podiatrist will explain the findings to you. After that, they will suggest a course of care that combines oral medicine, topical treatments, and podiatry procedures. They will also provide tailored suggestions regarding your lifestyle, diet, footwear, and foot hygiene to prevent future problems.
Step 5: Q&A and follow-ups
Before you leave, the podiatrist will give you time to address your questions and ensure you completely understand your condition and treatment plan. Lastly, they may schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.
How do you find the top podiatrist in Paterson, NJ?
Finding a qualified and experienced podiatrist can seem challenging, but don't worry, Zocdoc has it sorted! You can find podiatrists in Paterson, NJ, from the comfort of your home. Create a free account on Zocdoc and enter your criteria, such as your symptoms, the specialist you want to visit (podiatrist, in this case), your location, preference of date, and so on. Zocdoc will offer you a list of podiatrists near you who meet your criteria. You can also use additional filters if you have other specific requirements about gender, the languages they speak, and if they accept your insurance plan.
What can you do if you don't see your health plan listed on Zocdoc? There's a simple solution! Go to the insurance section in your account settings and upload an image of your medical insurance card. Zocdoc will scan it and suggest your likely plan. Our service team will resolve any difficulties you may have while uploading the photo of your card. Read the FAQs on the Zocdoc patient help center page for clarity on more insurance-related doubts.
If you are in pain and do not wish to travel, you can also use Zocdoc to book virtual appointments. If you have injured yourself and need to see a doctor urgently, Zocdoc allows you to book same-day appointments. You may also wish to see a doctor after working hours; Zocdoc will enable you to book appointments with available physicians after 5 p.m.
Every podiatrist profile on Zocdoc includes detailed information about their qualifications, certifications, languages they speak, and more. The profiles also include patient reviews to help you select a top-rated podiatrist.
Using Zocdoc, booking an appointment with a podiatrist near you becomes easy, secure, and 100% free.
Statistics on podiatrists in New Jersey
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, there were approximately 370 podiatrists employed in New Jersey. The state has the fourth-highest location quotient for podiatrists, at 1.52. A location quotient above 1 indicates that podiatrists in New Jersey have a higher share of employment than average. The Bureau predicts that by 2031, the employment of podiatrists will grow at nearly 2% in the U.S., which would be slower than the average of all other occupations. Despite this slow growth, about 300 vacancies are projected annually until 2031.
Diabetes leads to several non-traumatic lower limb amputations in the country. Regular visits to podiatrists can prevent these expensive amputations. An article cited by the American Podiatric Medical Association mentions that annual podiatrist visits can lower the risk of lower limb amputation by 80%.
Sources
Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence
Healthline
WebMD
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
American Podiatric Medical Association
Leonard Greenwald, DPM
Y2Connect
Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry, LLC
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